Hutch Hospital Expansion

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) A central Kansas hospital will double the number of beds in its emergency department under a $5 million expansion and renovation scheduled to begin this fall.

Officials of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center announced plans for the project Thursday, after a year of planning.

Keith Miller, president and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, says the existing emergency facility has worked well for nearly 40 years. But Miller says it’s too small for the number of patients it now sees.

The expansion will increase the number of emergency department beds from 10 to 20, while adding two major trauma rooms and 14 private treatment rooms. There will also be an updated diagnostic imaging suite, two private patient triage rooms and an expanded lounge for visitors and guests.